LGSLAW : Chapter 80 – Fulfillment

Miao He was initially stunned, then tense. 

 

After all, the master’s prophecy had influenced Yang Dalang for many years. Being so withdrawn and bearing undue worry and burden, the master had played a significant part. Though it was Yang Dalang’s mother who had sought the prophecy, Miao He still held a grudge against the master.

 

Frowning slightly, Miao He tugged at Yang Dalang, wanting to leave. “Ignore him. It’s not accurate.”

 

Yang Dalang glanced back at Miao He, appearing hesitant. At that moment, they heard, “Dada!” “Dada!”

 

Yang Dalang’s arms cradled Mantou and Wotou, who seemed to sense their father’s unusual emotions. They quickly offered the sugar figurines they were holding, trying to share with their father. Their round, big eyes showed both confusion and concern.

 

Yang Dalang paused, then pretended to lick each figurine.

 

Mantou and Wotou laughed gleefully, making Yang Dalang smile as well.

 

Yes, he should trust himself and not need to seek validation from the master.

 

Shaking off his hesitation, Yang Dalang warmly looked at Miao He. “Let’s go.”

 

Miao He smiled, hugging Yang Dalang. “Alright!”

 

However, Miao He’s family was strikingly good-looking and well-dressed, attracting attention as they lingered on the roadside. This prompted more people to stop and stare.

 

As the family turned to leave, they suddenly heard a hoarse voice.

 

“Amitabha, Yang benefactor, please stay. We met many years ago.”

 

Yang Dalang stopped and turned around. “It has been a long time, master.”

 

The master had crossed the street to approach them.

 

He lowered his head, chanting a Buddhist prayer. Miao He quickly said, “We won’t trouble the master today. We have other matters to attend to and must leave.”

 

The master’s eyes, under his long eyebrows, glanced at Miao He, and he smiled hoarsely. “There is no need to worry, young one. I am here to apologize to Yang benefactor.”

 

Yang Dalang’s dark eyes showed a ripple of emotion.

 

“Amitabha, Yang benefactor, I must confess an error. In the past, I believed destiny was dictated by reincarnation and could only be broken by willpower. Now, you have taught me a lesson. I bear this karma and have waited here to express my gratitude.”

 

“Willpower?” Yang Dalang paused.

 

The master smiled kindly. “You understand, benefactor.” With that, he chanted another prayer and walked away serenely.

 

His words were cryptic and left unfinished, yet they brought Yang Dalang back to the moment of the cart accident.

 

That was when his fate began to change.

 

Had he accepted his destiny at that moment, even the soul-swapped Miao He would have been gravely injured.

 

Would things between them have been the same?

 

Fortunately, he understood now.

 

He did not want to hold any resentment. He wanted to embrace this love willingly.

 

Looking back at the concerned little brother who had been watching him intently.

 

Without a care for the roadside, Yang Dalang leaned down and kissed him, causing a stir among the onlookers.

 

Miao He’s face immediately turned red. “What are you doing? We’re in public.”

 

“Nothing. Let’s go home.”

 

Relaxed, enlightened, and grateful.

 

The last bit of weight lifted away with the wind.

 

….

 

Although the trip to Suzhou cost quite a bit, the sales of plum wine had already brought in over 500 taels by the time they returned. Indeed, brewing alcohol had always been a highly profitable industry. This meant that last year’s plums had earned them about 1,000 taels!

 

As a result, when the plum harvest season arrived, Miao He’s family did not take it lightly. They meticulously collected the fruit and sent it to Suzhou.

 

As for the cake orders mentioned by Eunuch Fang, official representatives soon arrived. Miao He’s family entrusted the tea house with production, providing the raw materials themselves. This way, the quality would be consistent. Miao He believed that by involving the tea house, they would ensure there were no mistakes.

 

However, the poor weather conditions reported since the beginning of the year persisted. There was little spring rain, and the early snow was sparse, indicating a likely drought.

 

During the critical season for harvesting winter wheat and planting rice, the lack of water caused widespread anxiety in the village. Fortunately, the creek’s water level had dropped but not dried up. Families who worked hard could still carry water from afar to irrigate their fields.

 

By June, the winter wheat harvest arrived.

 

As expected, the yield was only about 30% of the usual. Miao He’s leased wheat fields, however, maintained a stable yield, standing out as an exception. Perhaps the improved seeds derived from the spiritual soil had a notable drought resistance.

 

This difference was noticed by some villagers, who initially envied the proximity of the fields to the creek, assuming easier access to water. Miao He and Yang Dalang did not argue much about it. Promoting improved seeds would take time and years of successful harvests to convince others.

 

But after dealing with the winter wheat, the already planted rice still needed concern.

 

Villagers watched the sky every day, hoping for more rain.

 

Miao He’s situation was better thanks to the spiritual soil, which seemed to alleviate the harsh conditions of insufficient water. The orchard and vegetable garden in the backyard remained lush and vibrant.

 

However, by July, the heat intensified with no afternoon showers to relieve the scorching sun.

 

After dozens of days of continuous sunlight, crops everywhere withered and dried up. The creek’s water level dropped to a fifth of its usual volume.

 

Everyone wore worried expressions, sighing whenever they met. The dry weather led to five or six fires that summer, adding to the village’s heavy mood.

 

One day, while visiting Miao He’s house, Yang Er Aunty shared her concerns.

 

“I heard that the situation is even worse down south. You know Linjia Village, south of the mountain? People there are fleeing, begging for food, saying their crops are all dried up. Even the well water in Linjia Village is rationed. I wonder if our village can withstand this crisis like we did at the beginning of the year…”

 

As she spoke, Miao He’s gaze fell on the window of the main hall.

 

The backyard remained lush and green. Thanks to the spiritual soil, their family was unaffected. But Yang Dalang, seeing the external conditions, had already reduced the supply of vegetables to the tea house to avoid suspicion. In protecting Miao He, Yang Dalang was often more thorough than Miao He himself.

 

That night, after settling the children, Miao He couldn’t help but suggest to Yang Dalang, “Since we’ve had to reduce the amount of vegetables and fruits we sell, why not use the spiritual soil to help the entire village through this difficult time?”

 

Yang Dalang stopped what he was doing and quietly looked at him.

 

Miao He knew that this suggestion might seem like meddling, but with the energy from the spiritual soil available, why let it go to waste? Couldn’t it be put to better use?

 

Feeling uncertain, Miao He hesitated before explaining his idea.

 

They would return to the old method of fertilizing before the spiritual soil’s last upgrade, manually distributing fertilizer daily. With the recent reduction in production, they could manage the smaller area using the old method. This way, the spiritual soil’s energy could spread across the entire village, potentially alleviating the water shortage.

 

“What do you think of this plan?” Miao He asked, looking at him.

 

“Why do you want to do this?” Yang Dalang gently touched his head.

 

“If everyone is struggling, we won’t be happy either. Food shortages lead to more refugees, thieves, and bandits. If things continue to worsen, it will be even more concerning.”

 

Miao He’s worried and apologetic expression made Yang Dalang pull him into a hug. The situation hadn’t deteriorated that badly yet, but there was merit in trying Miao He’s plan. If they ever faced a severe drought, they would know how much the spiritual soil could help.

 

“Alright. It’s also for future reference.”

 

Miao He was delighted, hugging him back. “Then, I’ll help this time. Don’t make me just watch the kids.”

 

Yang Dalang smiled. “We’ll see.”

 

He agreed but didn’t intend to overwork him.

 

….

 

So, Miao He’s vegetable garden returned to the old fertilizing method.

 

For the orchard on the hill, which covered a larger area, they only chose enough to meet the palace’s supply requirements.

 

Life suddenly became busy again.

 

This time, Miao He insisted on carrying the children and working alongside Yang Dalang. Since it was his idea, he couldn’t just watch while Yang Dalang did all the work. But Yang Dalang kept finding excuses to send him away, saying he was thirsty or hungry, so Miao He kept busy for two months. Their family even grew stronger from all the exercise, given they ate and drank well.

 

By early September, good news began to trickle in: the village’s rice yield had only decreased by 20%! It was slightly better than the winter wheat. After harvesting, the villagers were both surprised and relieved, realizing that an 80% yield meant they could still save some money. The village finally felt a sense of relief and joy after the mid-autumn festival.

 

Miao He was both relieved and happy. “At least we know the spiritual soil can help in times of unusual weather, right?”

 

Yang Dalang nodded and was about to speak when a flash of white light caught his eye!

 

Yang Dalang’s expression turned serious, while Miao He was thrilled.

 

“Hey! The spiritual soil has upgraded again, look!”

 

He opened his palm, revealing two golden soil clumps shimmering with light!

 

By now, Miao He understood the spiritual soil’s rules. The more it nourished, the faster it upgraded. Combining three into one golden soil meant it needed to nourish more plants, which explained the previous delay. This time, using it to support the entire village’s fields led to a smooth upgrade!

 

The commotion naturally attracted the two children.

 

Their curious eyes spotted the two golden clumps in their father’s hand and reached out to grab them.

 

Miao He thought they would be disappointed but then heard two cheerful exclamations.

 

“Ah!” “Oh, oh!”

 

To his surprise, Mantou and Wotou successfully held the spiritual soil, which previously only Yang Dalang could not grasp!

 

Miao He and Yang Dalang exchanged astonished glances.

 

“Could it be that Mantou and Wotou can use it too?”

 

“Let me try.” Yang Dalang paused and extended his hand towards Wotou.

 

Seeing his father reaching for it, Wotou happily offered the golden clump. But as soon as his small fist opened, the clump fell through Yang Dalang’s hand and rolled on the floor.

 

Miao He and Yang Dalang exchanged joyful looks.

 

If Yang Dalang couldn’t hold it but Wotou could, it meant Wotou also had the ability to use the spiritual soil!

 

But Wotou wasn’t happy. “Uh? Ah!” He noticed that the golden clump he tried to give his father hadn’t been received.

 

Stubbornly, he took a few steps forward, picked it up, and tried again. Yang Dalang extended his hand, and once more, the clump fell through!

 

Both children’s brows furrowed in confusion, repeating the process, which amused Miao He, though soon after, Wotou’s eyes reddened, and he burst into tears. As soon as he cried, Mantou joined in.

 

The two crybabies lunged at Yang Dalang, feeling wronged.

 

Miao He’s heart was both warm and tender, laughing, “They’re upset they can’t give it to you.”

 

Yang Dalang kissed each of them, his eyes full of love. “They’re just like you.”

 

They’re always so good to those they love.

 

“And mine?” Miao He playfully pounced.

 

Yang Dalang chuckled.

 

He kissed him gently, softly, lovingly.

 

And he covered two pairs of little eyes.

 

It was necessary, believe me.

 

….

 

Knowing the rice harvest was secure, Miao He retrieved the spiritual soil and used the extra one to nourish the remaining fruits on the hill. The initially safeguarded tribute quality was ensured, and the replenished fruits sold were as good as last year’s, despite smaller sizes. They even sold better due to widespread droughts affecting other regions, making Miao He’s fruits stand out even more.

 

The phenomenon caught the attention of the county magistrate, Su Xian. He had been worried that the tribute fruit-producing family would fail the next year. Although it was due to the weather, the palace might not be pleased.

 

Upon investigation, he found that Miao He’s village had the most complete grain tax submissions among neighboring villages, with some marked “excellent” even during a drought. Curious, he sent officials to check.

 

To his astonishment, the officials returned in shock!

 

“Magistrate! They’re using different seeds! No wonder they’re so drought-resistant!”

 

“Report this! It could be a significant achievement!”

 

Magistrate Su Xian, initially listening nonchalantly, jumped up in surprise.

 

“Really? Let’s go check it ourselves!”

 

On inspection, they found the fields using Yang Dalang’s seeds yielded the best results. Yang Dalang remained vague about the seeds’ origins, but the essential part was the preservation of good seeds.

 

Reporting this discovery earned Su Xian considerable merit, and the seeds were later promoted by agricultural officials.

 

A few years later, the rice from these seeds, known as “Miaoshui Rice,” gained fame similar to Miao He’s tribute fruits.

 

By then, Miao He’s family held an honorary official title, living their peaceful life of farming and raising children.

 

Oh, and occasionally brewing newly developed grape wine with the Xu family.

 

They continued living in their blue-brick house.

 

Their yard bloomed with beautiful flowers, providing pleasant shade under large trees.

 

A black cat with shiny fur often napped on a swing under the trees.

 

Several large dogs and lively puppies played nearby.

 

And Miao He and Yang Dalang remained inseparable.

 

Whether busy or resting, they shared each day and night together.

 

That was their ultimate fulfillment.

 

?End of Main Story?

 

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Rain : So happy !!! I’ll be back in few hours for the extra chapter, the last one ! (??????)???